Florida NICA is gearing up for an exciting Season 7 with a movie-themed focus: “Blockbuster: Lights, Camera, Pedal.” Event weekends will take place at CRP, Santos, Dyer, Lakeland, Tallahassee, and San Felasco this year.

New this season:

• 5th graders are officially included

• Separate course previews for 5th and 6th graders

• New middle school race categories based on ability

Adventure activities will be part of each event, including hands-on challenges like a tube change competition and a cardboard slide, with potential additions such as an enduro-style section at future races.

Families and student-athletes are encouraged to review event flyers, the Coaches Guide, and the NICA Quick Guide, all available on the Florida NICA website.

Several new initiatives are launching this season:

• Teen Trail Corps: Student-athletes can earn service hours and recognition for trail work.

• Updated staging procedures with row-based call-ups.

• Roving course marshals on bikes to support safety.

• Updates to race bibs, plus gear swaps at the first and last events.

• Coaches are asked to review and clean up pit zone registrations.

Joe, Florida NICA’s new Event & Race Director, will join Jackie for coach office hours next Wednesday to answer questions and review expectations.

The CRP race weekend will follow this structure:

• Friday: Event setup

• Saturday: Check-in and pre-ride activities

  • Coaches meeting at 12:05 PM

  • Social-pace pre-ride led by coaches

  • GRIT Ride for girls at 1:30 PM

  • Course open for preview rides from 2:30–4:00 PM

• Sunday: Race day with awards wrapping up by 2:00 PM

Reminders:

• No caffeinated products allowed at the venue

• Race plates and bibs must be collected at the end of each day

Safety and respect remain top priorities:

• Stay within approved venue areas; off-limits zones (including marked jump lines) are strictly prohibited.

• No open flames, smoking, or caffeinated products.

• Coaches are encouraged to use dry-erase boards to help riders understand schedules and expectations.

• Sportsmanship and a supportive environment are expected from all participants.

Key race-day protocols include:

• Staging is for athletes only; parents should view from designated spectator areas.

• Helmets must be worn at all times while riding.

• Equipment checks and wave assignments must be followed.

• Feed zones: Only coaches or approved adults may assist. Running alongside riders is not allowed.

• Coaches should review the NICA Handbook and practice safe feed handoffs with athletes.

Additional race policies include:

• Trailside repairs are permitted following NICA guidelines.

• Riders will not be DNF’d for missing time cutoffs but will be placed based on finish.

• Clear procedures exist for protests, awards, and finish-line conduct.

• Yellow, orange, and red cards will be used for rule violations, with most incidents being accidental or self-reported.

• A positive, learning-focused race culture is emphasized.

Florida NICA continues to celebrate volunteers and support league sustainability:

• Weekly volunteer raffles at each event

• Team of the Universe award recognizing teams using multiple metrics—not just size

• The Trek raffle, which raised $35,360 last season, will return with details shared via email

• Families are encouraged to complete the Economic Impact Survey after each event to help advocate for trail access and reduced venue fees

Season Initiatives & Race UpdatesCRP Event LogisticsRace Event Safety GuidelinesRace Logistics & Athlete SafetyRace Rules & ProceduresVolunteer Recognition & Fundraising